Chapter 135 – Temple Strategy

Xie Yi unfolded the letter and read it, then called in the guard who had delivered it. Seeing that it was still Qi Luan, he asked him to recount the process of the maritime anti-smuggling operation in detail.

Qi Luan wasn’t particularly eloquent, but he went through the day’s events in a meticulous manner, recounting how the Prince had gone to pick up Young Master Sheng and Mr. Lu, then proceeded with Admiral Qin to offer sacrifices to the ships before setting sail. Afterward, they had a meal at Penglai Pavilion, and invited Huo Shiduo. Then, they embarked on the anti-smuggling operation. They had sailed aboard the ship named Wansui, assembling at midnight.

Xie Yi suddenly interrupted and asked, “Wansui?”

Qi Luan answered honestly, “Yes, there are two ships named Wansui and Qianqiu. I heard His Highness say that they represent longevity and prosperity for our nation. Admiral Qin mentioned that names like ‘Sweeping the Sea’ or ‘Calm Waves’ would sound more imposing.”

Xie Yi couldn’t help but let a smile curl his lips, his eyes brightening with amusement. He said, “Go on.”

Qi Luan continued to narrate the anti-smuggling process that evening: “Eight members of Fengxiang Guard were dispatched, two per group, each on different fast boats, as requested by Minister Xu. Minister Xu said that we should familiarize ourselves with anti-smuggling tactics while ensuring our safety. We’re leveraging the strength of the Jinhai Garrison Guard, using the benefits of the large ships and the rewards from anti-smuggling to lure them into assisting us.”

“Admiral Qin has rich experience in commanding battles and local military affairs, and he’s familiar with Jinhai Guard. Watching him lead the anti-smuggling efforts allows us to quickly understand the rhythm. Once we can independently organize some operations, even if the Garrison Guard doesn’t want to cooperate later, we’ll still be able to conduct anti-smuggling activities on our own.”

Xie Yi nodded. “That makes sense. Qin Jie is greedy for credit and gains, yet he hasn’t lost sight of the big picture, and he’s quite slippery. The Jing’an Marquis’s inner court isn’t peaceful; he has many primary and secondary wives and concubines, along with numerous children. That’s why he’s so interested in wealth and power, and he’s skilled at scheming and exclusion. Now, he’s eyeing your ships, so naturally, he’s willing to do anything. Xu Chun’s thinking is correct. Since Sheng Changtian and Lu Jiugao have arrived, it’s only a matter of time before he develops his own core team. Just two months in, and he’s already made such progress – impressive indeed.”

Su Kai smiled beside him. “Your Majesty is too modest. It’s not just impressive. Considering the timing of those ships, it seems he started planning once he knew he’d be going to the Office of Shipping Supervision. Each step reveals his careful calculations. Who knows how many times he’s turned it over in his mind? Without asking Your Majesty for advice, he’s intent on giving you a surprise! Without Your Majesty guiding him, he’s managed to navigate the treacherous political landscape filled with cunning officials. Who wouldn’t give him high praise?”

Xie Yi chuckled. “He’s still somewhat reckless and impulsive. He’s too eager, disregarding his own safety. If he had been more cautious and won people’s hearts step by step, his path would have been smoother. Now, he’s likely incurred the envy of many, facing harsh criticism and potential schemes from the wicked.”

Su Kai sighed. “Just two months, and I feel like the Prince has been away for half a year. Missing Your Majesty, he’s naturally a bit hasty. Besides, Your Majesty is always looking out for him. Why should he worry? According to this old slave, it’s precisely this bold approach that’s necessary. While the old foxes haven’t reacted yet, it’s the right time to carve out a path. Waiting until they figure out his kind, benevolent, and soft-hearted nature would make it much harder to break the deadlock.”

Xie Yi glanced at Su Kai. “You seem to have a lot of insight.”

Su Kai replied, “This old slave has overseen shipping for many years, with Your Majesty’s support. However, as an eunuch, the tongues and pens of civil officials are like knives. Officials protect each other, deeply entrenched. This old slave dares not provoke them either.”

Xie Yi laughed. “I know you’re worried about me blaming for not tidying up the Office of Shipping Supervision. Well, what are the local officials like? I’m well aware. If they’re capable of handling matters and slightly upright, their reputations aren’t established before slander and defamation arrive, quickly dampening their spirits. They all work together, like rats in a nest, how many Li Meiyas are there? Li Meiya is simply unafraid of death, and even so, he still seeks to establish a reputation for righteousness and integrity, gambling that I won’t touch him.”

“Snakes have their paths, and rats have their ways. It’s rare to find someone walking the straight and narrow.”

He pondered for a moment, noticing Qi Luan standing with his hands clasped, and dismissed him. He then instructed Su Kai to summon the brothers Fang Zixing and Fang Zijing. “Since Lord Wu Ying has returned to the capital, bring him here. I have a mission for him.”

Su Kai acknowledged, “Yes.”

A little later, Lord Wu Ying, Fang Zijing, along with Fang Zixing, indeed came, both bowing respectfully.

Xie Yi ordered seats to be provided for them and addressed Lord Wu Ying, “The case against Prince Yu has reached a temporary conclusion. What remains is the trial, which will be handled by the Ministry of Justice. Now, I have a task for you to undertake.”

Fang Zijing responded, “Your subject awaits Your Majesty’s command.”

Xie Yi said, “I intend to appoint you as the Viceroy of Zhejiang and Fujian, overseeing both provinces and abolishing the positions of the Viceroys of Zhejiang and Fujian.”

Fang Zijing was speechless.

Seeing his expression, Xie Yi asked, “Why, unwilling?”

In recent days, Fang Zijing had noticed that although Xie Yi appeared cold and hard-hearted, he was actually quite generous to those close to him, especially indulgent toward Fang Zixing.

Gathering his courage, he said, “Your subject dare not refuse, but Your Majesty is placing the Fang family in a precarious position. Zhejiang and Fujian provinces generate eighty percent of the nation’s taxes, and Guangdong is the treasury of the southeast. Now, the Fang family controls all of it. As the saying goes, when water reaches its brim, it spills over. Although Your subject wishes to die for a wise ruler, I dare not inquire about Your Majesty’s intentions.”

Hearing Fang Zijing’s words, Xie Yi turned to Su Kai and said with a smile, “What did I say yesterday? During prosperous times, one must consider the possibility of decline. Concerning the future of the family and personal success or failure, only one person thinks of sharing my worries.”

Sweat formed on Fang Zijing’s forehead. Bowing low, he said, “Your Majesty entrusts me with a heavy responsibility, which I should not shirk. I am unworthy.”

Xie Yi’s expression was gentle. “There’s no need for that. Get up. I harbor no ill feelings, merely reflecting. In your heart, your family and wife and children are naturally closer to you. Even Fang Zixing is more important to you than I am.” He turned to Fang Zixing. “Help your brother up.”

Fang Zixing supported Fang Zijing, who stood up. Seeing that the Emperor showed no anger, rather a hint of joy in his eyes, he boldly asked, “Establishing a viceroy for Zhejiang and Fujian, does Your Majesty intend to pacify the seas of the southeast?”

Xie Yi replied, “That’s the idea, but I’m not in a hurry. First, we need to open up the sea routes and clear the maritime borders. Having separate viceroys for Zhejiang and Fujian creates conflicts of interest, hindering military coordination. I’ve long felt this inconvenience, but haven’t found the right person. Lei Ming, whom I’ve recalled to serve as Minister of War, will also assist you. Your main tasks are to reorganize the military, secure coastal defenses, and prepare for possible combat. Second, open the sea routes of the southeast, ensuring that the grain and goods from Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong can be transported to Jinhai Guard via the sea. Once the northern and southern sea routes are connected, everything else will fall into place.”

Fang Zijing was intrigued. “Has Xu Chun made progress at the Jinhai Office of Shipping Supervision?”

Noticing the Emperor’s eyebrows twitch and a pleased look in his eyes, he continued, “Indeed, he’s acquired two ironclad fast ships, leading a fleet of dragonfly boats in a crackdown on maritime smuggling with Qin Jie. With such large ships, anti-smuggling efforts are smooth sailing. These pirates and smugglers are likely to be eliminated in the coming days, and they will surely flee to Zhejiang and Fujian. A great opportunity lies ahead. I cannot let mediocre officials botch things up. Someone needs to coordinate and capitalize on the momentum. By next year, the sea routes should be fully operational and unobstructed.”

“You have military leadership experience and are adept at administration. You’ve already served as the Censor of Education in Fujian. Now, you’ll oversee military and administrative affairs in Zhejiang, coordinating between the two regions. Given your abilities, you are fit for this role. You must not betray my trust and strive to clear the sea routes. Once the seas of the southeast are pacified, it will greatly benefit our dynasty’s prosperity and longevity.”

Only now did Fang Zijing understand Emperor Xie Yi’s grand strategy. He was convinced, saying, “Your Majesty’s strategic foresight is divine. My entire family is grateful for Your grace, how could we not dedicate our lives in service?”

Xie Yi smiled faintly and gave a few instructions on administration, taxes, finances, and transportation—important matters that he specially emphasized, demonstrating his foresight and attention to detail, clearly indicating that he had already planned everything out. Fang Zijing was thoroughly convinced and bowed to accept the decree.

Xie Yi then smiled and said, “Now, you may return and await the imperial edict. The Ministry of Personnel will issue your appointment soon. If Consort Heshun is willing, you may take her with you to Zhejiang. The weather there is warmer, beneficial for childbirth.”

After giving these instructions, he dismissed Fang Zijing and Fang Zixing.

On the carriage ride back, Fang Zijing told Fang Zixing, “Ask Eunuch Su about my assignment to Zhejiang and Fujian. Find out if there’s anything I need to pay attention to.”

Fang Zixing replied, “Do I need to ask? As the Viceroy overseeing military affairs in Zhejiang and Fujian, your main task is to support Jinhai Guard in coastal defense.”

Fang Zijing was taken aback.

He looked at Fang Zixing for a moment, thoughts racing through his mind. “Right, Xu Chun is a young bull who fears nothing, but Qin Jie is an old hand. He shouldn’t be so ostentatious. Southeastern smuggling involves powerful clans from Zhejiang and Fujian, and many interests in the capital are involved. Qin Jie puts Xu Chun in the forefront, offending everyone, while he reaps the benefits behind the scenes.”

“The Emperor is concerned that Xu Chun, in his youth, is acting too rashly, offending too many people, which might harm his future prospects. That’s why he’s sending me to share the burden and take advantage of this opportunity to clear the seas and shipping routes. Truly killing two birds with one stone.”

“Indeed, the Emperor is a master strategist. Sending Xu Chun to the Jinhai Office of Shipping Supervision was likely part of this plan all along. But he didn’t expect Xu Chun to create such a stir in just two months. Those ships… they must have been custom-made long ago, undoubtedly with the Emperor’s backing.”

At this moment, Fang Zijing was thoroughly convinced of the Emperor’s strategic acumen. He said to Fang Zixing, “It turns out that the Emperor intends to promote Xu Chun. However, his achievements and experience are still insufficient. My position as the Viceroy of Zhejiang and Fujian is merely temporary, serving as a placeholder for Xu Chun. Our Fang family has Guangdong under control, we can’t monopolize the southeast indefinitely.”

Fang Zixing looked at his brother. “Brother, you think too much.”

Fang Zijing was speechless. He gritted his teeth and said, “It’s precisely because I think too much that you don’t have to worry!”

Fang Zixing said, “True, Brother, you have to work harder. Just take care of Xu Chun, don’t worry too much about other things.”

Fang Zijing sighed. “Obviously, I’m leaving for my post soon. I originally planned to let your sister-in-law find you a suitable bride during this time in the capital and gauge the Emperor’s opinion.”

Fang Zixing replied, “My affairs aren’t urgent.”

Fang Zijing looked at Fang Zixing and suddenly had a strange idea. “Your sister-in-law mentioned that the Duke of Jingguo’s household has two illegitimate daughters, but their talents are average. However, you and Xu Chun have a good relationship…”

Fang Zixing’s eyes widened, and he sat up straight. “Absolutely not! We cannot form a marriage alliance with the Duke of Jingguo’s household!”

Fang Zijing was taken aback. Seeing his usually taciturn brother’s veins bulging with agitation, he hurriedly patted his shoulder. “Alright, alright, calm down. Your sister-in-law also said that she made some inquiries. All the girls are raised by their concubine mothers. They may be quiet and gentle, but they aren’t very intelligent or capable. Your sister-in-law hopes to find you a smart, capable, and diligent wife who can manage household affairs and complement you.”

Fang Zixing rolled his eyes at his brother. “You just admit that you think I’m dumb and want to find a smart wife for me, like you and your wife, with a hundred tricks up your sleeves. Isn’t it tiring?”

Fang Zijing said, “If you’re not willing, we’ll look slowly.”

Fang Zixing sighed in relief. “You and my sister-in-law decide. It’s fine.”